Bach says doping scandal won't hurt his IOC hopes

AP , Associated Press

Aug. 6, 201312:05 PM ET

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Thomas Bach says revelations of a government-backed doping program in West Germany in the 1970s should not hurt his chances to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee.

He says he was personally behind the study that was published Monday. He adds that he has always advocated a "zero-tolerance" policy for doping offenders. A prominent former German athlete is questioning how much Bach knew about doping.

Bach, a gold medalist fencer in the 1970s, is an IOC vice president who leads Germany's national Olympic body. He is considered the favorite among the six candidates to succeed IOC President Jacques Rogge in next month's elections.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Thomas Bach says revelations of a government-backed doping program in West Germany in the 1970s should not hurt his chances to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee.